The Californian firm claimed that it had already deleted the Spinner’s accounts.

“We have no acceptance for bad actors that try to evade our policies and make bad experiences for users on Facebook,” a spokesman said.

Mr Shefler made clear that the Spinner had bought advertising slots on Facebook for over a year, and each of its advertisements had been reviewed and approved.

Facebook uses both automated software and humans to check ads submitted through its self-service tools.

However, Mr Shefler added: “The Spinner’s ability to distribute content to targeted users is not dependent on any particular social account or page. It’s a concept.”

Does it work?

The Spinner works by sending a link to the target’s phone. When opened, it puts a small file known as a cookie on the target’s device, which lets them to be identified and exposed to particularly created articles and other media.

The idea was initially pitched to the public via the crowdfunding site Indiegogo, but only raised £192 of its £47,800 mark. In spite of this, the firm decided to press on.

But some have asked whether its techniques work.

Rich Leigh, who is in the public relations sector, put it to the scrutiny.